As of January 2015 some wireless audio devices – such as wireless microphones – can no longer operate on some of the radiofrequencies they previously used. For some operators this simply means a retune of existing equipment, for others new equipment is needed. For a small number of operators no change is needed at all.
The following provides details of the changes that came into effect on 1 January 2015, and what you might need to do to continue operating your device(s) past this date.
On this page
What is a wireless audio device?
Wireless audio devices include:
- wireless microphones
- in-ear monitoring systems
- public announcement (PA) systems
- musical pick ups
- wireless transmitter and receiver units
How do wireless audio devices work?
Wireless audio devices operate in the vacant spectrum (white spaces) between broadcasting or other services in available spectrum frequency ranges. The main frequencies authorised for wireless audio devices include:
- 88 to 108 MHz
- 174 to 230 MHz
- 520 to 694 MHz,
- 1790 to 1800 MHz and
- parts of the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.
Importantly, wireless audio devices access spectrum under class licensing arrangements. This means operators can use these frequencies free of charge on the condition they do not cause interference to other services.
The diagram below is an example of the broadcasting channel chart which shows the whitespaces (represented by white boxes) in between the television broadcasting channels (represented by the coloured boxes).
What is changing?
The Australian Communications and Media Authoritys (ACMAs) video explains the changes to wireless audio devices:
Relocate out of frequency range 694 to 820 MHz
Australians have recently benefitted from the switch to digital television by receiving access to many more free-to-air television channels. Another benefit from the switch to digital television has been the freeing up of additional spectrum for alternative uses, such as next generation mobile broadband. This spectrum is known as the Digital Dividend. To make this spectrum available, however, it has been necessary to rearrange how some radiofrequencies are used. Industry refers to this as the restack of broadcasting services, which has now been completed.
As of 1 January 2015, devices that use the white spaces between broadcasting services in the 694 to 820 MHz spectrum range – such as wireless audio devices – should have relocated to new frequencies. The reason for this need to relocate is that most wireless audio devices operate in the vacant spectrum (white spaces) between television and FM radio channels between 520 to 820 MHz. Broadcasting services have been rearranged (restacked) into the frequency range 520 to 694 MHz, and so devices that use the white spaces between these services must also move.
As of January 2015 the white spaces between broadcasting services in the 520 to 694 MHz range will still be available for users of wireless audio devices, but these white space frequencies will differ around the country.
The following diagram illustrates the previous arrangements for the 520 to 820 MHz frequency range and the arrangements now restack is complete.
Will these changes affect me?
You may need to replace or retune your equipment
Wireless audio devices are now no longer permitted to use the 694 to 820 MHz frequency range. If your equipment currently operates in this range, to continue operating you will need to retune or replace it.
If your equipment operates below 694 MHz, you may be able to retune it to the different frequency range available in your area.
If your equipment cannot be tuned to the frequencies available for wireless audio devices in your area, you will need to replace it.
How do I know if I need to retune or replace my equipment?
You will need to determine:
- which frequencies your equipment operates in
- which frequencies are available in your geographic location, and
- if your existing equipment can be tuned to the new frequencies.
1. In which frequencies does your equipment operate?
Check your device (or its handbook) or contact your supplier. For additional information visit the wireless microphones hub on the ACMAs website.
2. Which frequencies are available in your geographic location?
You can determine this by either:
- typing your address into the ACMAs online Channel Finder, which shows detailed information about what frequencies are available in your location.
-
or
- looking at the ACMAs region-specific fact sheets which provide high-level advice about what frequencies will be available in each area (useful for those who use their wireless audio devices in multiple locations)
3. Can you retune your existing equipment or does it need replacing?
Your answers to questions 1 and 2 above will determine whether your equipment can be retuned or if it needs to be replaced:
- If you can retune your device to the new white space frequencies in your region, then retune it.
- If your device cannot be retuned, you will need to replace it.
- As of 1 January 2015 you cannot use equipment that has not been retuned or replaced.
What frequencies can I use?
The main frequency ranges that can now be used to operate wireless audio are 520–694 MHz and 1790–1800 MHz. The frequencies available to you in your region may differ from frequencies in other regions.
You can determine the frequency ranges which will be available for your geographic area by:
- typing your address into the ACMAs online Channel Finder, which shows detailed information about what frequencies are available in your location.
- looking at the ACMAs region-specific fact sheets, which provide high-level advice about what frequencies will be available in each area (useful for those who use their wireless audio devices in multiple locations).
Your equipment supplier and/or manufacturer should also be able to assist you with details of specific equipment you may own or need.
What can I do with my old equipment?
Planet Arks Recycling Near You website can identify your nearest electronic waste disposal service.
Where can I get more information?
The ACMA has released an online Channel Finder for wireless audio users and suppliers, where you can type in your address and find detailed advice about what frequencies are available in your location.
The ACMA has also released a number of factsheets, explaining the changes and providing high level advice about what spectrum is available in each area. This is useful for those who use their wireless audio devices in multiple locations, such as touring musicians or production companies.
Suppliers Websites
Some manufacturers and retailers have websites with information about the changes relating to each geographic area
BSS Light Audio Visual—provides information on the changes affecting wireless audio transmitters and trade-in deals.
Jands and Shures Ready for digital website—provides information on the changes affecting wireless audio transmitters, a frequency guide, a frequency calculator and compatible products.
JTS Professional—for trade-in deals for non-compatible wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems.
Pro Light and Sound—promotes an offer to audit existing equipment to determine whether it will be compliant from 1 January 2015.
Sennheisers DDReady website—provides information on the changes affecting wireless audio transmitters, a frequency finder tool and trade-in deals for old or non-compatible wireless microphones.
Altronics—is offering trade-in deals for the purchase of any Okayo or Redback wireless microphone systems.
If you know of a website that should be included here, please contact us at Spectrum@communications.gov.au
